FaithVenture

Hello, Friend!

In the midst of our fast-paced, “gotta go” society, it has been interesting to see how coffee houses like Starbucks  or Tulley’s have evolved not only into a place where people get their coffee, but into what one church has labeled a fellowship venue.  A place where people  get together and just talk. All across North America, close friends meet over triple-shot, vente mocha’s, or grande raspberry mocha’s with extra foam and a dash of vanilla, or white chocolate, nonfat-decaf, no whip, no foam, extra hot mochas (aka, why bother?), and just share about life. They chat and listen; they take time to care. In this espresso oasis, something very special happens between two people as they share a bit of their lives with each other. At times, there is something almost “spiritual” about this type of gathering, of fellowshipping.

It’s “spiritual” because people share their hurts and their joys.  They fears and their dreams.  Their struggles and their victories.  It’s “spiritual”  because they share not just coffee, but their inner “spirit” with each other.  Needless to say, this spirit-connection is far more intense when two Christians get together to share their spirit with each other for in that moment, God’s Spirit connects with their spirits. The Spirit of the Most High, Supreme, Holy God stoops down and connects with and transforms the spirit of mere mortals who are struggling to live morally and lovingly, let alone holy lives  In that meeting, God’s Spirit brings holy grace and mercy, divine strength and love, deepening their relationship with Himself and with each other. Oh, yes, something uniquely sacred happens as two Christians work, play, laugh, cry, and pray together.

As you complete the readings related to encountering Jesus in our closest relationships, open your heart to the idea of how God’s Spirit can move in our closest conversations and friendships so that you experience Jesus’ love more personally, more intimately. Open your heart to how God can use your closest friendships as a means to connect with God and experience His presence in your everyday life.  Then prayerfully consider how God could use an accountability relationship or mentoring relationship as a tool for you to grow in your expression and experience of Jesus’ love, and with whom God might want you to join with to create such a relationship.  I believe as you read, as you pray, and as you seek out an accountability or mentoring partner, your life and relationships will come alive as we begin to see Him in their midst!

God’s blessings on you as you seek to move your spiritual routine into a sacred romance.

Pastor Tony J.